Teacher Man: A Memoir

Unabridged
Author: Frank McCourt
Narrator: Frank McCourt
Genres: Biographies, Literary
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: November 2005
Length: 9 hours
Ratings:
Formats:
  • CD
  • WMA
Abridged
Author: Frank McCourt
Narrator: Frank McCourt
Genres: Biographies, Literary
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: November 2005
Length: 5 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 4/5
Formats:
  • CD
  • WMA

Other Options

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Overview

Nearly a decade ago Frank McCourt became an unlikely star when, at the age of 66, he burst onto the literary scene with "Angela's Ashes," the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of his childhood in Limerick, Ireland. Then came '"Tis," his glorious account of his early years in New York.

Now here at last, is McCourt's long-awaited audiobook about how his thirty-year teaching career shaped his second act as a writer. "Teacher Man" is also an urgent tribute to teachers everywhere. In bold and spirited prose featuring his irreverent wit and heartbreaking honesty, McCourt records the trials, triumphs and surprises he faces in public high schools around New York City.

"Teacher Man" shows McCourt developing his unparalleled ability to tell a great story as he works to gain the attention and respect of unruly, hormonally-charged or indifferent adolescents. McCourt's rocky marriage, his failed attempt to get a Ph.D. at Trinity College, Dublin, and his repeated firings due to his propensity to talk back to his superiors ironically lead him to New York's most prestigious school, Stuyvesant High School, where he finally finds a place and a voice.

For McCourt, storytelling itself is the source of salvation and in "Teacher Man" the journey to redemption -- and literary fame -- is an exhilarating adventure.

Selected Reviews

This is why listening is better

by Shane Nixon
  • Book Rating: 4/5

Teacher Man

by Jamie McDonald
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 11

Reviews (11)

This is why listening is better

Written by Shane Nixon from Burlington, NC on January 24th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Reading this book, hearing your own accents and dialects will not do it justice. This is a selsection that is actually better when you hear it. A great story, well written with wonderful flow and emotional pull all over the place. Just great. But you have to hear McCourt read it. The Irish droll is REMARKABLY good and works so well for this story. GREAT listen.

Teacher Man

Written by Jamie McDonald on December 31st, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

You have to like Frank McCourt's style to enjoy this story. I love his lyrical way of telling his view of his life. He keeps me hanging on, even during a dull and sometimes boring section. But it's worth the patience. His life was poor, but his stories are rich. Simple but just Frank McCourt. I loved Angela's Ashes and this didn't disappointment. I've now got to read 'Tis. Can't wait.

Great Storyteller

Written by Anonymous on October 7th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Frank McCourt knows how to tell a story. This audiobook was especially entertaining because Mr. McCourt narrates it himself in his lilting Irish brogue. You'll feel like you're sitting in a pub with him lifting a pint, as he regales you with his funny, sometimes heart-breaking stories about teaching in the New York City Public Schools.

Hard but hopeful lessons

Written by Steve Y on August 13th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

What a pleasure to hear that voice. I don't know if it would have been half as good if not for the authenticity of the author's own brogue. As in "Tis," you get the feeling that McCourt is sometimes his own worst ememy and certainly his own most damaging critic. Most would question any desire to become a teacher after hearing his countless descriptions, too. But, just when you wish he would have strangled one of the little malcontents, he reveals that glimmer of hope in them that no doubt kept him striving each day to reach them in a new and different way. What an interesting class he must have conducted in those latter, more mature teaching years.

Teacher Man

Written by Deborah Martinson on July 5th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

A must read for teachers! Honest and engaging. The book lagged a bit in the middle and I almost gave up on it, but he recovered his voice and interest for the last third and it ended wonderfully.

Teacher man

Written by D F on July 1st, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Frank McCourt's books get better and better. His material gets less shocking and less Irish, but his voice remains just as lyrical. His sense for why he's telling his story improves with each book and his vision of himself gets more honest. That makes this one his most important. It is among the best books I've read this year. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Always excellent!

Written by Anna on February 9th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Great insights, light anecdotes, and a fabulous author to read it - what's not to like about this book?

Teacher Man

Written by Anonymous from Kansas City, MO on October 11th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Listening to the author read the book added a great deal to my enjoyment of the story. This book was just as enjoyable as 'Tis and is worth a listen.

Teacher Man

Written by Mark McCann on August 26th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Given the title, I couldn’t help but be worried that Mr. McCort wouldn’t be able to follow up the excellent ANGELA’S ASHES, and the equally-satisfying ‘TIS. I needn’t have worried. McCort’s stories are just as poignant and entertaining as in the first two. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Teacher Man

Written by Anne on February 10th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

A must read for teachers at all levels. It's amazing that I encounter the same issues on the University level that Mr. Mc Court dealt with decades ago. An extra bonus was listening to the author read the book. Yes, I too suffer from "ATTO".

Selected Reviews

This is why listening is better

by Shane Nixon
  • Book Rating: 4/5

Teacher Man

by Jamie McDonald
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 11

Author Details

Author Details

McCourt, Frank

"Frank McCourt was born in 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, to Irish immigrant parents; grew up in Limerick, Ireland, and returned to America in 1949. For thirty years he taught in various New York City high schools, including Stuyvesant, and in city colleges. He lives with his wife, Ellen, in New York City and Connecticut."